Exodus 8:15
“But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said.”
We all get in desperate situations. These times prompt us to reach out for help. Some times it’s to others, some times it’s to God. We want relief so badly that we resort to means we normally wouldn’t. Many an atheist has cried out to God when in trouble.
We were built to be dependant on God. Much like a wind up toy is independant for a while, so we need God to function as we were designed. The prototypes were Adam and Eve in the Garden. God was part of their day. It was very natural. Sin interupted the relationship. God has been reaching out ever since to restore us ever since.
Life is full of difficulties. We were meant to face these with God’s assistance. Some may question this. They may say, “don’t we raise our kids to be independant?” Yes, but that’s different. Collosians 3:17 says, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” It’s a different mindset. Just as many bow to pray before a meal, so we commit our days to God and ask His assistance in it. He wants to be part of this. It’s how it was meant to be. Difficulties are reminders that we need Him. Don’t be ashamed. Some may feel guilt, thinking “I haven’t invited God into my life in a long time, so it wouldn’t be honorable to run to Him for help now.” Not true. Never let that logic keep us from Him.
There is so much grief and pain in the world because we attempt to function outside of Him. Think of all the ways people self soothe, some are good while others are destructive. We’ve got a God appetite that can only be satisfied with Him. All other remedies are temporary.
Pharaoh’s response was to forget God after He helped. That is a natural feeling and all of us are guilty of it. This is the foxhole prayer after we’ve been delivered. We will be in another foxhole someday. He also works in the integrity part of our lives. Where we give Him a chance. Once we get a taste of God with us, it’s wonderful. He fills us with joy, peace and love. God is good.
Lord, thank You for Your goodness. Allow our daily circumstances to keep us reliant on You. Thanks for Your help.